Highlights Of The Most Famous Bondi-Coogee Coastal Walk

Apart from the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, almost every travel guide puts Bondi-Coogee Coastal Walk as the highlight in Sydney as well. While it might sound like an overstatement, with tourists all over the world and even local Sydneysiders alike come to the east coast every day for this incredible seascapes. This is indeed the best way to enjoy Sydney’s best beaches, stunning ocean views or simply chilling at cafes.

Marked by rocky sandstone cliffs and deep bays, the 6-kilometres Bondi-Coogee Coastal Walk offers captivating sea views that stretch to the horizon. Following the jagged coastline, you will also encounter swimming pools, a historic cemetery, Australian wildlife and stunning mansions that only one can dream of.

Best time to do Bondi-Coogee walk

One of the best things about this walk is that you can do it all year-round! Between December and February is likely the peak season, but you can still find some quiet time if you start early morning.

You may want to avoid midday when the sun is at its hottest and your photos will be the least impressive. If you have a weekday free you will find fewer people on the walk which makes it a little more enjoyable.

Which is better – Bondi to Coogee or Coogee to Bondi?

Although it is more widely known as the Bondi-Coogee walk, you can do the walk in either direction! Whichever way you walk between Bondi and Coogee, you’ll still see the same stunning coastal views. It is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. There are alternating inclines and declines from the bays to the points. Though most parts are paved boardwalk, the path may change to dirt or rock; small portions of the walk are along the road. Walkers needing to rest will find several benches along the route from Bondi-Coogee beach.

Quick start guide for Bondi-Coogee walk

Public Transport

There are regular bus services between the city and Bondi Beach, as well as regular buses between the city and Bronte or Coogee.

Bondi Beach – Bus 333, 380 or 381 travels between Circular Quay and North Bondi. You can also catch the bus from Martin Place Station, St James Station and Taylor Square. The full trip from the city to Bondi Beach takes 45-minutes in good traffic.
Bronte Beach – From the city, you can take Bus 378. Alternatively, take the train to Bondi Junction and jump on the 360, 379 or 381 which all stop at different parts of Bronte Beach.
Coogee Beach – There is Bus M50, which leaves from Stand E on Elizabeth Street every 5 minutes. You can also take the 373 from Circular Quay or the 374 from St James Station. The journey will take about 45 mins in daytime traffic.

Water

Drinking fountains are available at every beach, including Bondi Beach, Tamarama, Bronte Beach, Coogee Beach. Refill your own water bottle instead of buying new plastics bottled water.

Sunscreen & Sunglasses

As always with Australia, keep the weather in mind. You will be exposed to lots of Vitamin D as there aren’t many shady spots so don’t forget the sunscreen, hats and sunnies.

Toilets

Toilets and bathing areas can be found at regular intervals throughout the walk. Locations include Bondi Beach, Tamarama, Bronte Beach, Coogee Beach.

Bondi Beach

Arguably one of the most famous beaches in the entire world, Bondi Beach is where most visitors start the journey. Whether you are here in Summer or Winter, you will see people flocking to this 1-kilometre sparkling golden-sand beach for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, or simply relaxing under the sun. Towards the West end of the beach is the famous Icebergs ocean pool, which leads to the coastal path passing by interesting rock formations that have been sculpted by the sea and wind.

Mackenzies Bay

Mackenzies Point is the largest headland along the way towards Tamarama Beach. You’ll find a lookout point here to snap some more incredible photos of the surrounding headlands as you get closer to the iconic Bondi Beach. MacKenzie’s Point is also a great place to see whales between May and October as it is the migration period. Just need to be patient and have a little luck to see them from here!

Tamarama Beach

Tamarama is one of the smallest beach along the track sitting snugly into a little alcove, surrounded by houses. Locally known as “Glamarama”, Tamarama may not the best beach for swimming due to its deep and strong rip currents, but still a perfect spot for sunbathing, a game of volleyball or for simply hanging out.

Bronte Beach

This long, crescent beach is the biggest beach on the walk from Bondi to Coogee. It’s a great place to stop for a swim, but swimmers need to be mindful of rip currents. At the far end of Bronte, it also has a stunning ocean pool, as well as a sheltered rock pool called the Bogey Hole. Behind the beach is a large park with numerous grills, tables and green space.

Waverley Cemetery

Another 20-minutes further along the stunning boardwalk, the Waverley Cemetery overlooks the ocean from the top of the cliff – and the viewpoint location makes it one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. Opened in 1877, the cemetery is now heritage-listed with numerous Victorian and Edwardian era monuments. Do be respectful, it is a graveyard that you are wandering in after all.

Shark Point

With a terrain of smooth, flat rocks, the steep cliff at Shark Point is another perfect spot for your Instagram account. Shark Point juts into the sea and from the point, it is possible to see both Bondi Beach to the North and Coogee Beach to the South.

Note: There are no barriers on this section of the walk.

Gordons Bay

Nestled between Clovelly and Coogee, Gordons Bay is a secluded oasis. The bay however does not has a lot of sand itself as loads of little fishing boats dominating the beach. Though small, this gem is popular with divers and snorkelers. Maintained by the Gordons Bay scuba diving club, the Gordons Bay Underwater Nature Trail is a self-guided 600-meters underwater trail.

Note: There are no amenities, which makes Gordons Bay feel like a natural retreat.

Coogee Beach

Finally, the end (or maybe start) of the walk! This beach is a lot quieter than braggy Bondi. Coogee is just as good, arguably better. There’s a large grass area to chill on for Frisbee-throwing or beach volleyball, ocean pools and Coogee Beach is a lot calmer to swim at. You’ll be spoilt for choices of cafes so plan in some time to have an alfresco brunch and a drink while soaking up the laid-back beach vibe. This is no doubt a perfect place to relax after finishing the incredible Coastal Walk.